A Quick Wish

Jennifer and Tim at the Penumbra reception
photo by Rachel Kelley

Wednesday means Wishcasting with Jamie---
today she asks "what treat do you wish for".

This is the beginning of my very favorite time of the year, a time of treats, one after another--
The delicious colors of the leaves outside are a treat for me. Halloween, of course, brings yummy treats to eat. Then begins the season of gratitude; it's always a treat for me to hear my family express their gratitude and to enjoy a feast with them. Christmas follows, also with its own series of treats of many types.

Since I foresee a whirlwind of treats in my near future, the treat I wish for most would be time for me, something I often overlook in all the busy-ness of this season.

Yes, I'm Still Here

Tim, Hannah and Sparky
~the first of our Halloween portraits~

I survived (barely, and with the help of some really great friends!) the week of putting Penumbra together at the gallery and the show opening itself.
And yes, I've been asleep almost continually since the reception Saturday!

I've been editing photos from the reception today so that I can share some of the wonderful Halloween art hanging in the gallery right now. I'll share a little each day...don't want to give away too much!

a few of the decorations from the main gallery

Today I'd really just like to express my gratitude to the friends who helped me out last week.
I was stressed over things not going just right, and as you may know, stress causes lupus symptoms to worsen, which in turn causes me to be susceptible to whatever is floating around.

Of course, I got sick with some sort of flu-like bug. Then my great-aunt died. Almost time for the opening, and I'm falling apart.

a selection of works from Ruth Allen

Enter my friends Nancy and Linda (and Linda's son Nick). They helped us to get everything on the walls and heavy stuff moved. Exhaustion has completely engulfed me by Friday night. My friend Teresa comes along, takes one look at how pitiful the second gallery appears, and drops what she's doing for an upcoming show, creating all manner of wonderful decoration.
Thank you all! I couldn't have done any of this without you!

Artwork by Chris Grant

Off now for more rest---gearing up to man the gallery on Halloween night! There's a parade scheduled in downtown Athens called the Wild Rumpus (is that any indication of what I can expect??) that ends right by the studios. We'll be offering our Halloween portraits through that late hour.
And by the way, the studios/galleries are open afternoons and evenings through Halloween, or by appointment. Call us at 706-540-2712 or 706-540-2727.

Wishcasting Wednesday

Jamie Ridler asks today "what do you wish to say yes to"?

I AM saying yes today!
For the first time in forever, I am saying YES to what life has to offer.
Today (I really don't even have a minute to sit here and type this) I am out the door to the studio to receive the artists who are participating in Penumbra.
I am nervous and excited, and very very hopeful....because I am learning to say YES.

This show is something I've always wanted to do, but I've let fear rule my life for far too long.
It's time for me to say yes....yes to ALL my dreams and wishes.

This is only the beginning......

There is so much more in my heart on this subject, but it will have to wait.
And dear friends, forgive me for not getting to all your posts today. Know that in all my busy-ness today, I am wishing for every one of you!

Penumbra

Regret

Less than a week before the show!
Lots of excitement, and LOTS of work to finish!
Besides my own art, there are banners and signs and decorations to create, artists to contact, food to coordinate...wow.
And I hear that my sister is coming in from out of town to share her creepy photography.

This is the first cooperative effort between Moon Mama and the Fringe Collective (aka Jennifer and Tim). It has been fun and frustrating, and everything else in between!
If we manage to survive this, watch for many more joint events in the future.
Actually there have been other creative efforts (but not events) between us, such as the above photo. Often I snag Tim's photos for my own use. Regret is a photo of my paternal great-great grandmother floating over an old cemetery that Tim found.

New details---we'll be offering Halloween portraits at the reception on Saturday night, as well as throughout the week, and Halloween night.
The gallery (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios at 159 N Jackson St in Athens) will be open select hours all week through Halloween.
And we'd like for our reception guests to bring their carved pumpkins to share with all!

Artists---don't forget that the art drop off is this Wednesday, October 21st!
We'll be at the gallery all day, and most of Thursday and Friday. Call us if you need us--my number is 706-540-2712 and Tim's is 706-540-2727
It's not too late to enter! We're looking for creepy, scary, disturbing, Halloween art, any media.
There is a $15 entry fee (one fee, no limit to the number of pieces entered), and your work must be picked up Sunday November 1.
Feel free to contact us with any questions.

She's Ready

Miss Jezebel is all revved up and ready for Halloween, even if I'm not!
Here she is, in all her regal splendor, relaxing on me in the hammock.

What More Can I Say?

Haunted Swamp Give Away

Look at what they're giving away at Haunted Swamp Designs---

Just leave a comment on their blog to get your chance to win one of their fun painted gourd decorations.

FEAR

To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. ~Bertrand Russell

Wednesday again already?!
That means it's time for Wishcasting with Jamie Ridler

Today---what do I wish to let go of?
Truly, there's so much that needs to be let go of, but the biggest thing, the thing that holds me back the most--FEAR.

I am just realizing here at mid-life how crippling, how paralyzing fear can be.
Looking back, I'm amazed that I've accomplished the things that I have, considering how fearful I have been over a lifetime.

He who fears something gives it power over him. ~Moorish Proverb

Those who fear life are already three parts dead. ~Bertrand Russell

Now that I recognize fear for what it is (it is NOT my friend!), and remember who I am and the power that I have, I have realized that I can overcome it and move forward.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

It has been a slow, sometimes agonizing process, but I have made tremendous progress.
And now I am SO ready to let it go completely!
Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. ~Author Unknown

Here's to letting go of fear and getting on with our lives!
What say you?
What do YOU wish to let go of?

Lupus Awareness

I have lupus.
My sister has lupus.
Seal has lupus.
Lucy Vodden (Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds) has just died from lupus.

Lupus is an insidious and misunderstood disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissue. There are few outward signs. Learn more at ButYouDontLookSick

October is Lupus Awareness Month.
Who do you know that has lupus? You might be surprised.

Thought I'd share some Halloween portraits this morning---
This is the Canadian and me.
Still crazy-busy preparing for our Halloween show.....off for more ghoulish fun today!
Enjoy your weekend!

Are You Kidding?!

What do I wish to complete???

No waxing philosophical today! No time!
I could; I'd like to...but seriously, no time!

I simply wish to complete the preparations for Penumbra, my Halloween show!
This is a one-woman operation here, and the show is just over 2 weeks away, so the crush is on to pull it all together.

I will sincerely appreciate every single sincere wish for me today; I bow my head and say a little prayer of gratitude....thank you all.

I Can't Resist These

My darling children---

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Creeee-py!

Just a little thing I've been working on these last couple of weeks...
Getting ready for my Halloween show, Penumbra.
I had no idea where I was going with this when I got started, and now that I'm almost done, I have no idea what it is!
I just know it's really creepy! And I guess that's what matters most!
Need to finish up those cracks and find the perfect earrings (yes, I pierced her ears).....
Hope to show you the finished "thing" soon!

Signs of the Times

Mmmmmms.......

Paper Swap

Who among us doesn't have stacks of paper all over the house or studio??
Lawendula at Woven Letters in Germany, is organizing a paper swap.
This could prove to be interesting!
Leave a comment on her blog if you'd like to join in.

Reminds Me Of....

my family of origin's usual reaction to any of my ideas!



Thanks Cathy!

More Bellies

Here are the latest bellies from Marion's calendar project---

A Sure Sign...

Autumn is here, and Halloween is on it's way!

We'll continue to document MJ's pumpkin knitting escapades throughout this month.

Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist sure knows how to throw a Halloween bash!
Be sure to check out her blog and join in the revelry; I am!








And here's my friend Mary Jessica---


MJ plans to knit one of these nifty little pumpkins each of the 31 days of October.
I'm hoping that she (and her pals) will bring piles of pumpkins to my Halloween show Penumbra later this month! Get her pattern and play along with her on her blog Home Ec

Mmmmmm....October!

And wow.
I found a bat imprinted on an orange in the fruitbowl...
What do you make of that?
What a fun way to start off my Halloween!